Are you planning to form a limited liability company (LLC) in Virginia?
Then you should keep in mind that every LLC needs a registered agent (also known as a statutory agent in some states).
Not sure whom you should appoint as a registered agent?
In this guide, we explain the rules and regulations around registered agent appointments. Then provide a list of 14 reputable registered agent service providers.
Table of contents
- Who can be a registered agent for an LLC in Virginia?
- Virginia registered agent services list
- How do I appoint a registered agent in Virginia?
- How do I change my registered agent in Virginia?
- FAQs about Virginia registered agents
Last updated: May 2023Start your LLC the easy way
Forming your LLC is a checkbox that needs to be ticked. Easy, fast and worry-free. We reviewed the 13 most popular LLC formation services to figure out who truly understands what new founders need. Our recommendation:
We don’t make up scores.
Best LLC Service 2022 
- Formed 1,000,000+ LLCs
- $39 formation includes registered agent service
- Fast formation & same day filing
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Last updated: May 2023Who can be a registered agent for an LLC in Virginia?
According to the Code of Virginia, a member or a manager of an LLC can be a registered agent of that LLC provided that they:
- Are a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Have a physical street address in the state (a P.O. box won’t do).
- Can be available at their registered office during the regular business hours year-round in case a Service of Process notice arrives.
Alternatively, you can appoint a member of the Virginia State Bar or a commercial registered agent service provider allowed to do business in this state.
Note that an LLC can’t be its own registered agent in the state of Virginia.
Virginia top 12 registered agent services
As mentioned earlier, another legal entity can serve as a registered agent for your LLC. This includes business services providers, accountants, and legal professionals.
Often, you get more than just registered agent services from your provider, but some extra add-ons like compliance services, accounting, or legal advice.
Below is a list of Virginia-based commercial registered agent service providers with stellar reviews.
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is our top recommendation for anyone looking for a registered agent service in Virginia.
They offer a complete, well-rounded registered agent service with excellent customer support, favorable conditions, good privacy, and an easy, straightforward sign-up process.
Northwest Registered Agent also distinguish themselves with a customer-friendly 90-day return policy. Should you decide to cancel your service, Northwest will offer you a prorated refund of the fees and costs you paid.
If you are interested in a more detailed assessment of the company and the services they offer, consider reading our in-depth review of Northwest Registered Agent.
- Costs: $125/year
- Visit Website
- Address: 4445 Corporation Lane Ste 264, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462
2. Victrix International
Victrix International is a Virginia-based registered agent service provider that offers registered agent services in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The company charges $50/year for registered agent services in Virginia, but you need to qualify for a Victrix discount contract to be eligible for that rate.
You can request a quote to see if this rate would apply to your business.
- Costs: $50/year
- Visit Website
- Address: 7102 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, VA 23226
3. Virginia Professional Services, LLC
Virginia Professional Services LLC provides incorporation, registered agent, and business law services.
It’s run by Bernie Dietz, an attorney licensed in Virginia and Maryland who has been practicing business law and helping small businesses for over 20 years.
- Costs: $125/year
- Visit Website
- Address: 3850 Gaskins Rd #120, Richmond, VA 23233
4. Virginia Small Business Law, PLLC
Virginia Small Business Law, PLLC is a law firm that provides various legal services for businesses, as well as a registered agent service.
The registered agent service is included in the company’s LLC formation package that costs $500. That’s a steep price, given that you can form a Virginia LLC yourself for less.
But if you don’t want to bother with the paperwork and admin formalities, this service provider is known for fast and accurate execution.
- Costs: RA service is included in the $500 LLC formation package
- Address: 15 E. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219
5. Ankney Law
Ankney Law is a legal firm specializing in corporate, real estate, and contract law. They also provide registered agent services on the side.
Joel Ankney, the founding partner, is an attorney practicing law in Virginia for 29 years.
He’s also the author of two books: “Before You Leap” about starting a gig economy business and “Here’s the Deal” about buying a small business. So if you also need legal advice for your business, Ankney is a great person to turn to.
- Visit Website
- Address: 249 Central Park Ave., Ste. 300, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
6. CTP Business Services, LLC
CTP Business Services, LLC provides company incorporation and registered agent services.
The company’s philosophy is summarized in its tongue-in-cheek motto:
“Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's … not 1¢ more!”
But they are very diligent and effective with actual service provisioning.
- Visit Website
- Address: 3092 Brickhouse Court, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
7. Montgomery, Kelley & Dennett, PLC
Montgomery, Kelly & Dennet is a law firm that provides legal services, incorporation services, and registered agent services.
The three attorneys behind this firm have 76 years of combined legal service experience. So if you want to work with top legal guns, this is the service provider to consider!
- Visit Website
- Address: 5520 Foundation St., Williamsburg, VA
8. Smith Strong PLC
Smith Strong PLC provides legal services in various practice areas, including divorce and custody, estate planning, elder law, business interpretation, and more.
The firm also offers LLC formation, incorporation, and registered agent services.
It’s a good option for anyone looking to get comprehensive legal coverage from a single provider.
- Costs: $195/year
- Visit Website
- Address: 5803 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23228
9. General Counsel, P.C
General Counsel, PC is a law firm that provides legal services in several areas, including business law, employment law, family law, and more.
The firm also offers incorporation and registered agent services for new business entities.
It was founded in 2004 and has been in business for nearly two decades.
- Visit Website
- Address: 6849 Old Dominion Dr #220 McLean, VA 22101
10. Hale Ball
Hale Ball is a law firm that provides legal services in several practice areas, including litigation, family law, and business law. Among them are registered agent services.
You can contact them by phone or online for a preliminary consultation. Or drive by their North Virginia location in Fairfax.
- Visit Website
- Address: 10511 Judicial Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
11. LingleLaw
Lingle Law is a law firm that provides legal services in several practice areas, including business law, real estate law, and wills.
The firm also offers incorporation and registered agent services. It currently serves as a registered agent for over 400 entities, registered in the state.
12. Simms Showers
Simms Showers is a law firm that provides legal services in several practice areas including criminal defense, business law, and litigation.
Over the last 15 years, the firm has served as a registered agent for hundreds of clients. The team is highly responsive, professional, and boasts great reviews from the community.
- Visit Website
- Address: Leesburg Office, 305 Harrison Street SE, Third Floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20175
National registered agent service providers
If you operate several business structures in different states, you need a local registered agent for each of your companies. In that case, it’s worth considering one of the popular national registered agent service providers that offer fully digital services:
- Harbour Compliance. Annual costs: $99.
- LegalZoom. Annual costs: $299.
- IncFile. Annual costs: $119 after the first year.
How do I appoint a registered agent in Virginia?
You need to name your registered agent in the Articles of Organization when you file the formation documents with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
The process is simple. Just add the appointee's name and address on the state form. Then tick the box to signify whether they are an LLC member, manager, or third party — and you’re done.
How do I change my registered agent in Virginia?
Changing your registered agent details is easy too.
- Request a Statement of Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent form.
- Name your new registered agent when filling out the form.
- File the form with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
There’s no state fee for changing your registered agent in Virginia.
FAQs about Virginia registered agents
Here are the frequently asked questions about registered agent services in Virginia.
Last updated: May 2023Start your LLC the easy way
Forming your LLC is a checkbox that needs to be ticked. Easy, fast and worry-free. We reviewed the 13 most popular LLC formation services to figure out who truly understands what new founders need. Our recommendation:
We don’t make up scores.
Best LLC Service 2022
- Formed 1,000,000+ LLCs
- $39 formation includes registered agent service
- Fast formation & same day filing
- Exceptional customer reviews
Last updated: May 2023